#JustSoYouKnow: Mercedes-Benz – The Household Name

October 19, 2016

Mercedes CLS

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Mercedes Jellinek (Mercedes-Benz)

Let’s talk cars. Ever wondered how Mercedes-Benz got its name? Then read this. The name “Mercedes” is synonymous with refined power and performance. But it started out as a feminine first name meaning “grace,” and the automotive powerhouse is inextricably linked with a little girl named Mercedes who was born in 1889, the daughter of Emil Jellinek. The history of this elite automaker and its professional connection with a forward-thinking Austrian businessman provides fascinating details of how this automobile got its iconic name.

Emil Jellinek with daughter, Mercedes Jellinek (Mercedes-Benz)

In 1897, Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek, traveled from his home in Nice, France to purchase a car from the Daimler factory in Cannstatt, Germany. On his return to the French Riviera, his sporting Daimler Phoenix caused such a sensation that he decided to enter it into a local touring competition, under the name of “Mercedes” after his favorite 9-year-old daughter. Realizing the business potential for the new car, he not only placed an order for 36 more but also secured the franchise for selling them in several countries. Gottlieb Daimler also agreed to have them sold under the name of “Mercedes.”

Gottlieb Daimler (Mercedes-Benz )

The Mercedes trade name was registered after Daimler’s death in 1900 and the 3-pointed star became the trademark. Daimler had once drawn the emblem on a postcard to his wife, the star symbolizing the growth of the business into transport on land, sea, and air. For Karl Benz, a name for his automobile was simple: he enclosed his name in a cogwheel to exemplify the solidness of his engineering works at Mannheim.

2016 Mercedes Maybach Interior (Mercedes-Benz)

Since its inception, the brand had maintained a reputation for its quality and durability. I mean, they gave us the G wagon, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2013, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, and my favorite Mercedes-Maybach S600. You cannot deny how sleek these cars are. Today, we remember that little Austrian girl, Mercedes.

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